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The public displays of affection have served to underline Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for Adam Lallana.

The £25million midfielder may face an ongoing battle to win over sections of the club’s fanbase but the manager’s faith in him is unwavering.

When fit Lallana has been virtually ever present since Klopp took over last October. The fact that the German named him in the squad for the Capital One Cup against Manchester City just two days after overcoming a calf injury was telling. When Klopp sought inspiration in the second half at Wembley, it was the 27-year-old he turned to.

Lallana isn’t a prolific scorer - his low drive in the league win over City last week was just his fifth goal of the campaign. But he remains one of the first names on Klopp’s team sheet because of the work he puts in both with and without possession.

The iconic image from Klopp’s first game in charge at Tottenham involved a shattered Lallana falling into the arms of his manager when he was substituted late on.

“It was his first game so I didn’t know what to expect coming off the pitch,” Lallana recalled.

“He went for a big hug and I just fell into his arms, looking exhausted. His big arms almost wrapped around me twice.

“It has been known ever since that he likes a hug from his players. That is just a sign of his appreciation for you working hard for him, for the team, for the way he wants to play.

“It means a lot that as a player if your manager is genuinely showing some affection to you. If they show thanks it makes you feel good, makes you want to do it again and keep going, work when you’re tired and give it your best. I’ve got a really good relationship with the manager ever since he has come here.”

Another memorable embrace followed at Carrow Road in January when Lallana’s last-gasp volley sealed a 5-4 triumph. Klopp charged on to the field to embrace him - breaking his glasses in the celebrations that followed. It marked the end of a 22-game goal drought for Lallana, who has since netted three goals in his last seven appearances.

I still have to prove myself to the manager

Lallana is enjoying the best spell of his stop-start Liverpool career ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Manchester United. He believes his qualities are well suited to Klopp’s style but refuses to accept that he’s already cemented a spot in the German’s plans beyond this summer.

“I don’t want to make excuses but last season was very injury hit for me,” he said.

“It was a difficult season, not just for me but for the team as well. We struggled at times.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it at the minute. It would be good to find some nice consistency as a team and hopefully that will coincide with me being more consistent with my performances.

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“I’m a player that loves to press, likes to be on the front foot and have the licence to not worry about what is behind me. The manager has made it clear that he wants a team that presses and counter presses.

“It is not just as simple as running ridiculously to the ball, there are elements of tactics behind it. We have done sessions on the training pitch to help us to grasp it.

“I still have to prove myself to the manager and everybody is in the same boat. We haven’t found consistency this season but his style is gradually coming into the team.

“Maybe if that happens and we go on a good run then he might not feel the need to dip into the transfer market as much as he might have wanted to a couple of months ago. Personally, I will keep fighting as I always have and hopefully I will be in his long-term plans.”